Heart of Midlothian 2-0 Ayr United: Championship leaders now 15 points clear
- Published
Jamie Walker scored Hearts' second goal
Hearts are 15 points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship after David Hopkin's debut as Ayr United manager ended in defeat.
It looked like Ayr would leave Tynecastle with a point in a drab game until Armand Gnanduillet headed in from close range following a free-kick.
Jamie Walker fired the second with four minutes remaining.
Hearts are now unbeaten in eight outings, while Ayr have only won one of their latest six.
Hopkins' side are just four points clear of bottom spot after Alloa Athletic's 3-2 win away to in-form Queen of the South.
Dunfermline Athletic are now Hearts' closest challengers for the title after a 1-0 win over Greenock Morton that lifts them a point ahead of Raith Rovers, with both Fife sides having two games in hand.
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson: "It's always difficult to break down an organised team. We never really felt under any threat and, second half, once we got the goal, we were much more comfortable.
"We are aiming to win every game and hopefully we can get over the line as soon as we can."